Visitors

One of the joys of the end of the year is having former students come back to visit you... I mean this both seriously and not seriously. Since the high schools have exams and their kids get out early, they all feel inspired to come back in their very holy jeans revealing too much and sagging britches probably just to show us how they've only progressed into teenagedom even more so.

It is often encouraging to see your former students come back when they are near high school graduation, and they have learned how to drive, and actually have a very mature conversation with you about where they are going to college and how well they have done in HS.

But then... there is also this awkwardness that comes along with it. Teacher phrases often consist of the following and eventually you run out of things to say.

"Oh hey there! So good to see you!" (totally can't remember the students name)
"How is high school?"
"You staying out of trouble?!" (probably to a student that was pure terror for you)
"Are you making good grades?"
"Playing any sports?"
"Who's your favorite teacher this year?"
"Doing anything fun this summer?
"Do you miss the 8th grade?" (reaching the point of totally running out of things to say)
"ok... well so glad you stopped by... uh.... see you... later?"

I ended another year of teaching today and like a dear friend posted on facebook... this day is like your birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and July 4th all rolled up in one. HALLELUJAH!!!!